Gonna make a sentimental journey. To renew old memories."
...can you hear Ringo Starr singing these lyrics?
"She glances at the photo and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes."~ Frank Deford
Our souvenirs allow us to take a sentimental journey and remember our past travels.
Definition of souvenir (noun)...stems from the French word "souvenir" for a remembrance or memory, an item of sentimental value, to remember an event or location, sometimes a cheaply made item sold for a high price.
Shopping for souvenirs can sometimes be a big event while travelling.
Our caché of souvenirs does not include the usual suspects of knick-knacks, bric à-brac, kitsch or whatever you want to call these type of items.
It is easy to be tempted by vendors selling their wares in the colourful tourist shoppes and market stalls which usually includes the typical shot glasses, tea towels, printed with the name of the location, etc. only to be disappointed when the label reads..MADE IN China and you are visiting Japan as an example.
We always strive to buy something that is made and originates from the place we are visiting and has a special meaning, is useful and will rekindle our memories of our travels.
Our treasures include our collection of photographs, some wonderful pieces of original art that decorate the walls of our home, fabric for a table cloth, woven jacquard throws, CDs with special music, some delectable food items ... olive oils, balsamic vinegars, Herbes de Provence, tins of foie gras and of course any thing lavender and plus some special bottles of wine.
Monsieur "Honey" collects bronze sculptures and is affectionate about anything antique.
If he is aware of a vide-grenier or brocante, it will be on his must-see and to do list.
He has acquired some unusual and beautiful objets d'art.
Here are a few photos of some of our special souvenirs and each has it's own story.
Painting purchased direct from the artist in Florence, Italy
Silver tea canister purchased in Cannes 2010.
Print of poppies ...memories of our time in Aigue Mortes
The owners of the "Appartement Molière" in Pezenas were both talented artists, Karen a painter and Gerard a sculptor.... these Mini Cards were designed and painted by Karen Garcia, and eventually I found the perfect frame to display them..
The bronze polar bear bought at the brocante in Agde, and the marble slab found in Caunes-Minervois ....memories of our 2005 travels in France.
Our prints from Collioure 2012.
There's a "Polar Bear" joining us for aperitifs in Agde.
